Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (Jan 2000)
Nocardia Asteroides Keratitis: Report of seven patients and literature review
Abstract
Purpose: To describe clinical features and treatment outcomes in patients with advanced Nocardia asteroides keratitis. Methods: Retrospective review of case records of 7 patients with culture-proven Nocardia keratitis. Results: Corneal infection occurred after corneal trauma in two patients, cataract surgery in three patients, penetrating keratoplasty in one patient and was associated with a silicone buckle element infection in one patient. Mean duration of infection at presentation was 33.4 days (7-75 days), and five patients had received prior treatment with corticosteroids. Six of seven patients had deep corneal suppuration at the time of: presentation, clinically suggestive of mycotic keratitis. In two patients who had received prolonged corticosteroid therapy (≥ 45 days), the eyes could not be salvaged. Complete resolution of infection was achieved in all 4 eyes treated with topical fortified cefazolin eye drops (50mg / ml).
